Graduate Certificate

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Health (GCeCCH) certificate program is open to currently-matriculated students in any UW graduate program. The curriculum includes one required three-credit graduate course in climate change and health and one required three-credit graduate course in climate science; at least two electives outside the student’s primary discipline; and a five-credit Capstone Experience tailored to the student’s interests. The required core courses provide an overview of climate change from the perspectives of Earth science and public health, health issues associated with climate change, relevant methods in health and other sciences, and an introduction to important perspectives from other disciplines. The electives include courses from a wide range of other disciplines at UW that provide relevant complementary perspectives, including those from Earth and atmospheric sciences, geography, policy, social work, life and environmental sciences, the built environment, and other areas. The Capstone Experience will provide a mentored opportunity to explore a climate and health topic more deeply and experience an interdisciplinary approach to the characterization or management of a climate and health concern.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. A complete application includes a CV and a letter of recommendation.

Admission Standards
Prerequisites include admission to the graduate program of (a) Environmental Health (ENV H), (b) Global Health (GH), or (c) another University of Washington graduate program with at least three quarters (2 semesters) of undergraduate or graduate coursework in geophysical science, chemistry, biology, physics, and/or health sciences with an average grade of B (3.0). Students must demonstrate an interest in the public health effects of climate change.

Successful completion of the Certificate Program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a grade of 2.7 or higher for each course counted toward the certificate.

Electives
At least two electives outside the student’s primary discipline, for a minimum of 4 credits, are
required. For instance, if a student is enrolled in the Global Health Master’s in Public Health
program, the two electives should be outside of Global Health. Please see above for a list of
available elective courses and their credits. At least one elective should be in the School of
Public Health (SPH) and one should be outside SPH.

Capstone
The capstone is a hands-on activity focused on climate and health. While capstone projects will
vary depending on the stakeholders and organizations involved, all projects will include:
• substantial interaction with stakeholders to clarify their needs regarding climate and health
research and practice;
• development of an applied project that responds to stakeholder needs; projects can include a
focused research effort, literature review, development of a curriculum, development of a
communication tool, or other activity that will be responsive to the stakeholder’s needs;
• preparation of a detailed a final report, including any materials, presentations, and other
products related to the project; and
• close mentorship by certificate faculty and involved stakeholders throughout
the project.